GREECE Law and Practice Contributed by: John Kyriakides, Vicky Kriketou, Angeliki Stryftou and Konstantinos Lygkonis, Kyriakides Georgopoulos Law Firm
14. Outlook 14.1 Proposals for Dispute Resolution Reform On 28 July 2025, Law 5221/2025 was published in the Government Gazette (Issue A’ 133/28.07.2025). The Law introduces key reforms to the Civil Procedure Code, aimed at accelerating the delivery of justice in the Greek courts through targeted legislative meas- ures. Most of its provisions will enter into force on 1 January 2026. 14.2 Growth Areas In recent years, Greece has seen a gradual increase in commercial disputes, driven by growing investment activity, infrastructure development, and expansion in the energy, construction, financial, and technology sectors. Technology-related disputes, particularly those involving data protection, fintech, digital plat- forms, and intellectual property, are also becoming more frequent, reflecting the digital transformation of the Greek economy. However, the use of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, such as arbitration and mediation, remains relatively limited. Progress in this area has been cautious over the past decade, and judicial deci- sions addressing ADR issues are still relatively rare, often arising from cross-border or international dis- putes.
With regard to the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards, the 1958 New York Conven- tion applies. Greek courts are obliged to recognise foreign arbitral awards as binding and enforce them in accordance with the provisions of the Greek Code of Civil Procedure, provided that the requirements of the Convention are satisfied. A foreign arbitral award will be recognised and declared enforceable in Greece if the following con- ditions are met: • the foreign arbitral tribunal or court had proper international jurisdiction; • the losing party was not deprived of the right to a defence; • no conflicting final judgment on the same dispute has been rendered by a Greek court; • the award is enforceable and final under the law of the country of origin; and • its content is not contrary to Greek public policy or to accepted principles of morals.
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